Whether or not you are in a relationship, sometimes it's nice to just kick it with the girls.
And that's what Galentine's Day is all about. Bestowed upon us by the great Leslie Knope — Amy Poehler's character in "Parks and Recreation,"who originally celebrated on Feb. 13back in 2010 — this sacred holiday is a time to grab a drink or a bite to eat, catch up and just have fun.
So forget about romance for a bit and check out what these 10 Jersey Shore spots are doing to celebrate friendship:
618, Freehold
Want to learn how to make co*cktails like the pros? Bring your girls on Thursday, Feb. 8, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for a Valentine's/Galentine's co*cktail class. Stay for dinner, where the restaurant is decked out in balloon displays, neon lights and flowers for the ultimately Instagram-able girls night.
And make a toast to your girlies with an anti-love co*cktail like Love Bites, with Ketel One Citroen, strawberry Aperol, apricot, champagne, basil and 'fluffed' zabaglione. The best part? You get to keep the heart-shaped glass (while supplies last).
Go: 618 Park Ave.; 732-577-0001, 618nj.com.
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Caffé di Famiglia, Belmar
On Tuesday, Feb. 13, put on your heels for a Galentine's Day "Girls Night Out."
Shake your groove thang to beats by Pat Roddy, and enjoy some great food. It's BYOB, so make sure to bring your favorite bottle of bubbly.
Tickets are $40, and doors open at 6:30 p.m. Contact buonomangia.catering@gmail.com or call the restaurant for more information.
Go: 917 Main St.; 732-217-5490, instagram.com/buonomangia, caffedifamigliabuonomangiacatering.com.
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Coffee Corral, Red Bank
Looking to do something classy? Attend Coffee Corral's Galentine's Day Floral Arrangement Workshop from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8.
In partnership with Fleur de Mer Flower Bar and Gift Boutique in Ocean Township, guests will learn to create their own stunning floral arrangements.
Tickets, $99 per person (includes a drink and light snack) are available at coffeecorral.net/product/floral-arrangement-workshop. BYOB welcome.
Go: 177 Drs James Parker Blvd.; 732-741-2326, coffeecorral.net.
Drifthouse, Sea Bright
Enjoy a Galentine's Day happy hour in the bar/lounge of Drifthouse, with select glasses of wine for $10, draft beers for $6, and select spirits for $10 (martinis are $2 extra).
Also try bites from the bar menu like eggplant chips with parmesan, spiced yogurt sauce and tomato jam. The happy hour takes place from 4 p.m. to close.
Go: 1485 Ocean Ave North #2225; 732-530-9760, drifthousedb.com.
The GOAT, Union Beach
The casual eatery is serving up the fun this Galentine's Day with a Rom-Com Trivia Night from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13. It includes a three-course prix fix dinner for $39 per person, plus prizes.
Enjoy appetizers like maple-glazed clothesline bacon; entrees like butternut squash ravioli with wild mushrooms, green beans, pine nuts and pesto; and desserts like the sugar cookie ice cream sandwich with Amerena cherries, candied pistachios, toasted marshmallow and warm chocolate sauce.
There will also be a happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. featuring co*cktail specials like the Love Potion No. 36, with Tito's vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice and a splash of pineapple. Beers are $5 and glasses of wine are $8.
Go: 1411 Route 36; 732-264-5222, thegoatbydb.com.
Homesick/Lovesick, Asbury Park
What better place to party when you're sick of love? Comes to this Galentine's Day Dance Party, featuring beats by DJ Sarah M., from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13.
There will be specialty co*cktails like Kiss from a Rose with Beefeater gin, peach liqueur, homemade hibiscus simple syrup and lemon juice; friendship games and activities; chocolate fondue; and tarot readings with Mooñeca Mullins.
But you don't need to know your future to know your besties are forever.
Go: 522 and 530 Cookman Ave.; 732-774-1264, lovehomesick.com, dearlovesick.com.
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The Mainstay, Asbury Park
Once Chef James Avery's Bonney Read set sail, the hip conversational bar The Mainstay docked in its place.
On Wednesday, Feb. 14, The Mainstay will host an Anti-Valentine's Club, where you can "lose your other half." The entire menu, including drinks, will be half off.
Try co*cktails like the Black Sails with Mexan XO, Stroh, molasses bitters and Cane Sugar Cola; and bites like the Oooh Mommy wings with sesame and scallions.
Go: 525 Cookman Ave.; 732-455-3352, itsthemainstay.com.
Porta, Asbury Park
Enjoy a Galentine's Day Brunch from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10, with vendors, crafts, games, drink specials and a build-your-own Bloody Mary station.
Try refreshing bites like the Sweetum's Nutriyum Parfait with sweet ricotta, yogurt, strawberry compote and shaved dark chocolate; or decadently filling meals like the Treat Yo Self sandwich with fried caciocavallo, prosciutto, fried egg, maple syrup and powdered sugar.
Go: 911 Kingsley St.; 732-776-7661, pizzaporta.com.
Red Horse, Rumson
The Galentine's Day happy hour from 4 to 11 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, offers select wines by the glass for $10, draft beers for $6, and select spirits for $10 (martinis are $2 extra).
Also try bar bites and sushi rolls.
Go: 26 Ridge Road; 732-576-3400, redhorsebydb.com.
The St. Laurent, Asbury Park
Grab your gals for brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10, in this swanky social club. Enjoy Galentine's-themed specials and co*cktails from the team behind Heirloom Kitchen, and vibey beats from DJ Chelli.
Reservations are available on Resy.
Go: 408 7th Ave.; 732-795-2582, thestlaurent.com.
Gabriela L. Laracca joined the USA Today Network New Jersey in 2021 and eagerly brings her passion for cuisine and culture to our readers. Send restaurant tips to glaracca@gannett.com.
